Edible ground covers serve a dual purpose: they protect soil from erosion and weeds while providing a delicious harvest.

Whether you want to improve biodiversity, attract pollinators, or simply maximize the use of your garden space, edible ground covers can be a great addition to your landscape.

In this guide, we’ll explore 10 edible ground covers and provide care tips for each one.

1. Wild Strawberries
(Fragaria vesca)

Wild strawberries are smaller than commercial varieties but have an intense, sweet flavor. They spread quickly through runners, making them an excellent ground cover.

Care Tips

Sunlight:
Full sun to partial shade

Soil:
Well-draining, rich in organic matter

Water:
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Maintenance:
Trim runners if they become too invasive

Harvesting:
Pick when berries are fully red for the best flavor

2. Creeping Thyme
(Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping thyme is an aromatic, low-growing herb that provides a fragrant, edible carpet. It’s great for filling in spaces between stepping stones.

Care Tips

Sunlight:
Full sun

Soil:
Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil

Water:
Drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering

Maintenance:
Trim after flowering to maintain compact growth

Harvesting:
Snip fresh leaves as needed for culinary use

3. Sweet Potato Vine
(Ipomoea batatas)

The leaves of sweet potatoes are edible and highly nutritious, making this a valuable ground cover in warm climates.

Care Tips

Sunlight:
Full sun

Soil:
Loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter

Water:
Keep evenly moist but avoid soggy conditions

Maintenance:
Regularly prune vines to prevent excessive spreading

Harvesting:
Leaves can be harvested anytime; tubers take about 100-120 days

4. Oregano
(Origanum vulgare)

Oregano is a hardy herb with a sprawling growth habit, providing excellent ground coverage with the added benefit of culinary use.

Care Tips

Sunlight:
Full sun

Soil:
Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil

Water:
Drought-tolerant once established

Maintenance:
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth

Harvesting:
Pick leaves before flowering for the best flavor

5. Wintergreen
(Gaultheria procumbens)

Wintergreen is an evergreen ground cover that produces edible berries with a minty flavor.

Care Tips

Sunlight:
Partial to full shade

Soil:
Acidic, well-draining soil rich in organic matter

Water:
Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged

Maintenance:
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Harvesting:
Berries ripen in late summer and can be eaten fresh or used in teas

6. Nasturtium
(Tropaeolum majus)

Nasturtiums add beauty and function to gardens with their vibrant edible flowers and leaves.

Care Tips

Sunlight:
Full sun to partial shade

Soil:
Well-draining soil, tolerates poor conditions

Water:
Moderate watering; avoid overwatering

Maintenance:
Trim back to prevent excessive spreading

Harvesting:
Flowers and leaves are edible and have a peppery flavor

7. Alpine Strawberries
(Fragaria alpina)

Alpine strawberries are a cultivated cousin of wild strawberries, producing small, flavorful berries without sending out runners.

Care Tips

Sunlight:
Full sun to partial shade

Soil:
Rich, well-draining soil

Water:
Keep consistently moist

Maintenance:
Regularly remove dead leaves for better air circulation

Harvesting:
Pick when berries are fully ripe

8. Chamomile
(Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile)

Chamomile is a low-growing herb with feathery foliage and daisy-like flowers used for making tea.

Care Tips

Sunlight:
Full sun to light shade

Soil:
Well-draining, moderately fertile soil

Water:
Keep soil moist but not soggy

Maintenance:
Deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms

Harvesting:
Collect flowers when fully open for the best tea flavor

9. Miner’s Lettuce
(Claytonia perfoliata)

Miner’s lettuce is a shade-tolerant edible ground cover with tender, nutritious leaves.

Care Tips

Sunlight:
Partial to full shade

Soil:
Moist, rich, well-draining soil

Water:
Keep evenly moist

Maintenance:
Regularly harvest leaves to promote new growth

Harvesting:
Best when young and tender

10. Groundcover Raspberry
(Rubus calycinoides)

This low-growing raspberry variety produces small, edible fruits and serves as an excellent erosion-controlling ground cover.

Care Tips

Sunlight:
Full sun to partial shade

Soil:
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil

Water:
Regular watering, especially in dry periods

Maintenance:
Prune old growth to encourage new shoots

Harvesting:
Pick berries when fully ripe

Recap & Outlook

Edible ground covers provide both aesthetic and practical benefits to any garden.

Whether you’re looking for herbs, fruits, or leafy greens, there’s an option suited to your climate and soil conditions.

With proper care and maintenance, these plants will reward you with beauty and delicious harvests year after year.

By incorporating these edible ground covers into your garden, you can enhance biodiversity, reduce maintenance, and enjoy fresh, homegrown food from your own landscape.